n.
Function: adjective
Date: 14th century
1 : having or reflecting knowledge, information, or intelligence
2 a : shrewdly and keenly alert : ASTUTE <a knowing observer> b : indicating possession of exclusive inside knowledge or information <a knowing smile>
3 : COGNITIVE
4 : DELIBERATE < knowing interference in the affairs of another>
– know · ing · ly adverb
– know · ing · ness noun